Head and Neck Surgery

Abstract

Session Description: The COVID-19 pandemic brought many otolaryngology and head and neck practices into sharp focus. Critical resources were diverted to acute care specialties on the front lines. Head and neck cancer care was upended, and surgeons witnessed treatment delays resulting in worse oncologic outcomes and the exacerbation of existing health care disparities. Caring for patients with head and neck cancer under severe acute resource constraint and infection risk of COVID-19 required health care systems and clinicians to develop innovative care delivery strategies to optimize timely, equitable, head and neck cancer care delivery. As a result, several approaches emerged to minimize treatment delays, develop ethical frameworks for prioritization of care and resources, enhance access, and minimize viral transmission;these important innovations are likely to persist into the foreseeable future. Lessons learned during this experience will prepare head and neck surgeons for potential subsequent events that may similarly strain health care resources. The goal of this interactive panel presentation is to understand important lessons learned about cancer care delivery and outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic in various jurisdictions. These expert panelists will discuss the ethical considerations of surgical prioritization and the clinical practice changes that were implemented. The panelists will provide a framework for ongoing decision making with the goal of minimizing health care disparities and optimizing oncologic outcomes while resources are restricted. Outcome Objectives: (1) Understand the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on head and neck cancer patients in various health care systems and regions. (2) Recognize the components of attendees' health care systems that may contribute to inequities and demonstrate knowledge of the ethical considerations when caring for cancer patients during a pandemic. (3) Apply the lessons learned to address disparities and care gaps even after the resolution of the COVID-19 pandemic and in possible future disaster situations.